Chapter 6 - Face to Face
The conference room at the mediator’s office was cold and sterile. David sat across from me, looking older and more haggard than he had at the party. The cheap suit looked even cheaper under the fluorescent lights. His lawyer, a nervous-looking man named Vance, looked like he regretted taking the case.
"Let's cut to the chase," Vance began. "My client is willing to drop the filial support claim if Ms. Sarah agrees to a one-time, confidential settlement of $30,000. It's a bargain to avoid a public trial."
Elena didn't even blink. She slid a thick manila folder across the glass table.
"Inside this folder," Elena said calmly, "are the bank statements detailing Mr. David’s gambling debts. There are also transcripts from the audio recording device your client wore to a seven-year-old's birthday party—which, by the way, constitutes illegal recording without consent in this state since it was on private property."
Vance’s face went pale. He looked at David, who was suddenly sweating.
"Furthermore," Elena continued, "we have the 4K security footage from the backyard. It clearly shows Mr. David attempting to aggressively approach a minor after being told to leave. If this goes to trial, we will not only countersue for every dime, but we will hand this file over to the Atlantic City district attorney regarding his illegal financial activities."
David slammed his hand on the table. "She’s my daughter! She owes me!"
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I leaned forward, looking directly into his cold eyes. I didn't feel anger anymore. I just felt an overwhelming sense of peace.
"I owe you nothing," I said, my voice quiet but cutting through the room like a knife. "You stopped being my father the day you put my life in trash bags. I survived because of my aunt, because of Mark, and because of my own strength. You are a stranger to me, David. And today, you lose."
